Recommendation? PM2 or PM3?

I prefer the idea of the PM2, but in real world usage, I prefer the Para3. I have to "force" myself to carry the PM2 as I gravitate towards the Para3.
 
I don't really like the Para 3 and I love the PM2 which is probably my favorite and most carried knife. I ended up selling my Para 3's because my Sage 5 is nearly identical in size and function but carries better in the pocket with Spyderco's awesome wire clip. I wish the Sage 5 had crisp gimping like the Para 3 and the action may be just a hair bit better on the Para 3 but the Para 3 prioritized a large lanyard tube over the carry clip so the knife rides disproportionately high in the pocket for its size in my opinion and thats, ultimately, why I no longer have any in my collection.
 
Coming back to this thread and just as an aside, if size and ergonomics are priorities, then obviously go with whichever you like. However, if steel is your priority, that in and of itself may be the decision-maker for you. For example, if you wanted to try Maxamet, them the PM3 is a whole lot easier to obtain in that steel than a PM2. I love Maxamet steel and fortunately, have both a PM2 (and a straight one at that!!!) and a PM3 so I have the best of both worlds. But if you like something like S35VN or CPM-20CV, then you are going to be looking for a PM2.

I know I am probably stating the obvious to you, but just in case you're only thinking in terms of size, I am not so sure I would ignore steel type and its availability in one knife or the other.
 
PM2 is my go to knife for anything. Sure, I like to carry other more task specific knives, but if I could only keep one....

There is nothing wrong with the Para 3. It is just as good as the PM2, but it is the same knife (thickness, blade stock, etc) with smaller handle and shorter blade. Yes, it does feel different when being used, but when closed, it is 1/2 inch smaller. That's it.

Good luck!


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sharp_edge said:
Buy both from the Exchange here to try them out. Keep the one you like the most and put the other back here for sale. It's like spending <$20 on "test-driving" the knives.
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I would, but my impression is that not a lot of guys are super thrilled about shipping overseas, which I understand.
 
on_the_edge said:
Coming back to this thread and just as an aside, if size and ergonomics are priorities, then obviously go with whichever you like. However, if steel is your priority, that in and of itself may be the decision-maker for you. For example, if you wanted to try Maxamet, them the PM3 is a whole lot easier to obtain in that steel than a PM2. I love Maxamet steel and fortunately, have both a PM2 (and a straight one at that!!!) and a PM3 so I have the best of both worlds. But if you like something like S35VN or CPM-20CV, then you are going to be looking for a PM2.

I know I am probably stating the obvious to you, but just in case you're only thinking in terms of size, I am not so sure I would ignore steel type and its availability in one knife or the other.
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Well, it would be cool to get to try out some steels, but the once I have readily available to me are just your vanilla steels, so it doesn't really have all that much to say.

What do you mean by "a straight PM2"?
 
PM2. I work with a knife all day and the PM3 does not work nearly as well and it's about handle size and the fact I need to move my grip a tad to quickly get it closed. I carry a Manix 2 also and have the exact same issue. FOR CLARIFICATION, I carry the Manix 2 also so I can have a maxamet blade and also an s110v blade. But back to the subject, with the last two fingers of the hand I hold the handle and work with the first two fingers and my thumb on what I'm doing never letting the knife down. I can do this all day with a PM2 but not with 3 and can seldom do it with the Military itself.

The PM2 is the best folding knife in human history, even if you're on the PM3 bandwagon it's dimensions are ideal in every measurable way for the maximum amount of applications.
 
I just realized you were overseas OP. If I could get one and only one it would be the pm2. Research which steel options and scales are available and don't buy until you have the configuration that you want.

Now, I still contend (without personal experience or research data) that the p3 will have a stronger tip. If stabbing hard things and wrenching the knife back and forth are your thing go with the p3.
 
I think everything has been covered so far but I'll chime in anyway.
I've owned PM2's for years and have never really loved it as much as many others, maybe because I tend to carry smaller knives as my job is in an office. I finally picked up a Para 3 last week because I really like the M4 DLC Spydercos and wow, I'm blown away by the Para 3. It's a great EDC size and really fits good in my hand. I'm kicking myself for waiting this long to try one out. So like others said, it really comes down to personal preference as to what size knife you like to carry.
 
Rykjeklut said:
Well, it would be cool to get to try out some steels, but the once I have readily available to me are just your vanilla steels, so it doesn't really have all that much to say.

What do you mean by "a straight PM2"?
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Spyderco has made a few different knives with Maxamet steel. It is extremely difficult to work with as a knife manufacturer. Spyderco, to its credit, took on the challenge and you can find that steel on a PM2, Para 3, Native 5, and Manix 2. I think that's everything. Anyway, the PM2 Maxamet was supposed to be a standard production knife, not a sprint run. However, after the initial bunch of knives made it out into the wild, someone noticed that there was a slight curve towards the tip to one side on their knife. That caused everyone to start checking to see if they had the same issue with their PM2 Maxamet. Many did have the issue, but some were straight. Spyderco halted production and started looking more closely at what was going on in an attempt to correct the issue. To date, they have not been able to resolve the matter to their satisfaction and have not restarted production of the PM2 Maxamet, making it nearly impossible to get for those who do not already have one. They have skirted questions about when or if that will happen, but I think it safe to say that it won't happen any time in the near future IMO. I don't believe they have the "curved blade" issue on the other Maxamet models nor has it ever been an issue on a PM2 in any other steel.
 
The standard Military was a bit large for EDC but the PM2 seems to be right in the sweet spot for me.

The only time I carry smaller knives is when circumstances dictate...clothing, environment, occasion etc.
 
Another vote to add for the pm2. I would recommend the full sized Military but you didn’t include it as a choice, and it’s a lot more $$ for the extra size, whereas the pm2 is only a few bucks more than the pm3.
 
To be honest my first regular old S30V Para3 just didn't click with me so I sold it off. Later, I wound up buying the Cru-Wear version because it was a relatively inexpensive way to try the steel out and a sub 3 inch blade works better for me. Since then the Para3 has become my platform of choice for trying out new steels since I'm now familiar enough with the knife's ergos that I can really tell how a new steel is behaving. It's still a bit of an ugly duckling though with the crappy clip placement and smushed appearance. I own more Para3s and carry the Para3 more but still think the PM2 is a better knife in general.
 
I did manage to find some PM3s in 90V and 110V, but none of my regular sites have any sort of special PM2 in stocks. I'm not a "steel-snob" in any way, so we'll have to see in about 10 days when I get paid again.
 
Rykjeklut said:
I did manage to find some PM3s in 90V and 110V, but none of my regular sites have any sort of special PM2 in stocks. I'm not a "steel-snob" in any way, so we'll have to see in about 10 days when I get paid again.
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Oh man, 10 days is an eternity.
I have to wait 7 and it's killing me. Next Friday I'm going to be hitting the refresh button in The Exchange like it owes me money
 
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